Alum. Rv roof

[BIGNASTY]

Has anyone ever used or seen aluminum roofing on an TT. The guy next door is having it installed on his TT I was just wondering the PRO/CON of such a move. It will be installed over the plywood sheeting. Seems like it should last for ever.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Newmar did offer an aluminum roof but with it they did not use decking, just the ceiling joists. I have a 95 Coachman that has an aluminum roof, I don't move it around much as it is usualy at the deer lease but the roof is doing fine, the caulking arund the edges is another story. bg

 

[HBarlow]

RVs used plain sheet metal similar to the side sheets on the roofs for many years. It was only in the '80s. IIRC, that rubber roofs became the industry standard.

I think rubber is much preferred because their are no joints to dry and open between sheets that require periodic inspection and sealing to avoid water damage to decks and ceilings. Also, rubber roof sheet will withstand moderate to heavy hail without damage much better than sheet metal or aluminum. Rubber is thicker and has some cushion whereas sheet metal will be dinged or even punctured.

Either sheet aluminum, sheet metal, or rubber can be ripped by low hanging limbs and each can be repaired by someone with knowledge and skill.

IMO, rubber roofs are much superior and preferable to aluminum any day. Some RV dealer service department wanted your neighbor's money.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Has anyone ever used or seen aluminum roofing on an TT. The guy next door is having it installed on his TT I was just wondering the PRO/CON of such a move. It will be installed over the plywood sheeting. Seems like it should last for ever.

Yes, an aluminum roof properly installed should last for years with the plywood decking under it and if it is lapped over at the sides to help prevent water intrusion. All four of the Lance campers I've owned have had a one piece aluminum roof over decking. Lance advertisements used to show people sitting in chairs on the camper roof watching sporting events. Lance has changed over to TPO roofing material and it's one of several reasons I haven't traded for a new Lance. I much prefer the painted white, easy to clean, non-chalking, one piece aluminum roof.



Bill

 

[BIGNASTY]

alum

I thought that a 1 sheet of Alum. would be ok if like you say that the Alum was over the sides and use of Eturnabond tape the front fiberglass cap but I didnt know thanks for everybodys input

 

[JMetzger]

My 96 Holiday Rambler has a alum roof & I have never had any problems with it.

 

[Superdawg]

My 2000 Jayco Eagle 5th wheel has a one piece aluminum roof. The rear half is over plywood. The front half is over trusses/joists. I wish it was plywood all the way across but it adds weight. Aluminum is a little noisy in the wind or rain. I like the fact it is 10 years old and I have no plans to replace it. With any roof you have to pay attention to the caulking at the penetrations. I would prefer another aluminum roof if I had to do it again.

 

[steved]

My Aljo has an aluminum roof... it is one large 24+ foot long sheet with only the holes cut for vents/AC.

It is nearly 3/16" thick... much heavier than the roofing that was on my slide-in. I would actually be more concerned about a limb removing a vent or the AC than damaging the roof itself. The only seams are those near the ends where it folds over the sides. The sheet actually overlaps the sides, so there is little chance for water leaks. From what I have been able to see, it is laid over 1/2" plywood sheeting. It is much quieter than our slide-in.

As for longevity, I don't think you could get a much longer lasting roof.

 

[HBarlow]

I guess I never thought about it. The metal roofs on older travel trailers I owned must have been sheet aluminum and I thought they were silver painted steel. The ones I've owned and seen in earlier years were only four or eight feet sheets and had seams between sheets that required occasional application of roof sealer.

The Airstreams and one Avion I owned were, of course, aluminum. The Avion design was slightly different and if the seams weren't caulked every few years they leaked.

I was initially unimpressed when rubber roofs on RVs were introduced years ago but I like them now as I've gotten used to them because of the sound isolation and no seams to caulk or seal.

 

[mpaulson]

My old trailer, a 1997 24' Mallard, had a full sheet aluminumn roof. No seams. I did good for about 10 years then developed a hair line crack about 2" long right on the edge where it is folded over to come down under the side trim on the side of the trailer. It did leak a bit before I noticed it and created a soft spot about 4" diameter in the roof, but hasn't changed in about 4 years or so since. I just check for my dad every fall and spring for him and re caulk it when required.

 

[Allnew2Me]

My trailer has its original aluminum roof that is in three sections. The front wraps up, the back wraps up and there is a section in the middle with the vent in it, the only penetration. No leaks so far but then, it's only 49 years old so you never know when it will start to go!

 

[Superglide]

Wow, Allnew2me, a 1961 Shasta. 6. 70x15 tires. The company that inadvertently started the rv business as I understand it. Originally built as temporary mobile military housing.

 

[HBarlow]

My trailer has its original aluminum roof that is in three sections. The front wraps up, the back wraps up and there is a section in the middle with the vent in it, the only penetration. No leaks so far but then, it's only 49 years old so you never know when it will start to go!

That's a beatiful collector piece. Did you do the restoration yourself?

 

[Allnew2Me]

Good eye Superglide, it is a 1961 Shasta Airflyte that my folks bought new and I have been camping in ever since. I repainted it myself in 2001 but other than that, it is original in and out.

The original tires were indeed 6. 70x15 but I have 205s on it now.

I never really thought of it as a collector item because I grew up in it, but after I painted it (original colors) people seem to be drawn to it so I suppose it is.

 

[Superglide]

I agree with Harvey; it is a collector's item. I've seen only two or three up here and they were all trashed. Kudos to you for keeping it in mint condition. I don't suppose you tow it with a 1961 Sweptline... .....

 

[DImberi]

rubber vs aluminum

I have a 30ft Alpenlite 5er that needs a new roof. Most of the info out there is for rubber roofs. Has anybody put an aluminum roof on their RV? If so how does the cost measure up with rubber and is it more work than rubber? -- Doug

 

[BIGNASTY]

Alum

I have a 30ft Alpenlite 5er that needs a new roof. Most of the info out there is for rubber roofs. Has anybody put an aluminum roof on their RV? If so how does the cost measure up with rubber and is it more work than rubber? -- Doug

As the first post said the guy next door had it done it looked great to me. I talked to the guy that did the work and he said the alum. sheet came form a Wabash trailer dealer came in 102" wide any length up to 53 ' the trailer done was 27' so he got 30'. The thickness was 40 thou. The cost was $370. 00 for the roof material. He also got some alum. angle the same length that was 3x3 inch and covered the top and side of the trailer (you might think it looks a bit industrial)but he polished it out and added some marker lights and it looks like a great job. He covered all the top edges with Eturnabond tape and around the vents the round stacks he used the regular rubber roof sealant and putty tape the side edges. Im looking at roof replacement in a couple of years and depending on any quirks with his Im in for alum. roof. As for work Ive never put on a rubber (sorry I just couldn't help it ) but the installer said less work dont have to worry about bubbles.